This text demystifies the doctoral research process and provides readers with a better understanding of the processes, conventions and expectations involved. It recognises the challenges faced by students and proposes...

This text demystifies the doctoral research process and provides readers with a better understanding of the processes, conventions and expectations involved. It recognises the challenges faced by students and proposes practical solutions to common problems. Early chapters provide an overview of the research process and key decisions that will need to be made. Subsequent chapters give guidance on refining a research topic, developing a proposal, carrying out research and writing the thesis. Each chapter is enlivened by case studies which focus on real students’ experiences of the different stages of doctoral research.

This will be an indispensable resource for current and prospective doctoral students of all subject areas.

Draws on solid research-based evidence and the author's own experience as a doctoral supervisor and programme coordinator

Helps students to avoid mistakes which can be costly in terms of time, money and research quality

Contains activities to help readers get started with their own research

Brings the doctoral research process to life with engaging case studies

IntroductionGetting StartedGetting a Handle on the Topic, Questions and the LiteratureGetting Close to TheoryGetting Designs on MethodsGetting Underway with the Research ProposalGetting Alongside SupportGetting on with Writing Getting ExaminedGetting Your Research 'Out There'Further ReadingBibliography Index.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MARGARET WALSHAW is a Professor and a Research Director at Massey University, New Zealand. She has undertaken research with students on doctoral engagement and has a wealth of experience as a doctoral supervisor and a doctorate programme coordinator. She is the author of several articles on education and is an associate editor of the Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education (JMTE). Her book publications include Working with Foucault in Education, Mathematics Education within the Postmodern and Unpacking Pedagogy: New Perspectives for Mathematics Classrooms.

MARGARET WALSHAW is a Professor and a Research Director at Massey University, New Zealand. She has undertaken research with students on doctoral engagement and has a wealth of experience as a doctoral supervisor and a doctorate programme coordinator. She is the author of several articles on education and is an associate editor of the Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education (JMTE). Her book publications include Working with Foucault in Education, Mathematics Education within the Postmodern and Unpacking Pedagogy: New Perspectives for Mathematics Classrooms.